Suggestions to exercise more are so common that they fall on deaf ears. And I encourage people to find and incorporate into their lives fitness activity that suits them. Yet fitness is not a universal value. Our culture is a rather sedentary one, with great health consequences. Two related articles suggest an approach that may be much more approachable and realistic for many who otherwise will not exercise. http://qz.com/223160/why-not-even-exercise-will-undo-the-harm-of-sitting-all-day-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/ http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2014/07/19/retirement-sitting-disease/12750061/

The CDC is tracking a significant rise in US syphilis infections. Information, risk factors and recommendations below. http://www.nbcnews.com/health/sexual-health/syphilis-makes-worrying-comeback-u-s-n100606 also http://www.cdc.gov/sTD/syphilis/default.htm

A significant number of my clients, and an increasing number of people in the general population, live with genuine and dangerous food allergies. These range from acute potentially fatal anaphylactic reactions to delayed food sensitivity reactions to mild discomfort. And since the gastro-intestinal system is the front line of our immune system as well as where a significant percentage of the neurotransmitters (essentially hormones in the brain) are manufactured, people with untreated or pervasive food reactions are vulnerable to a variety of chronic inflammatory and immunological conditions as well as some psychological and mood difficulties. It’s no longer unusual to hear someone discussing his/her food allergies, particularly at social events or when dining out. Those with anaphylactic IgE reactions must avoid their allergens in a disciplined way and contend with accidental exposure anytime they’re not entirely in control of their meal. If you’re fortunate enough to have no lethal allergy but some IgG or delayed sensitivity, you’ll still spend considerable energy, time and resource minimizing GI distress and finding nutritional alternatives. Eating is not an easy social activity, and those with sensitivities are often challenged, dismissed or mocked. It’s essential to become knowledgeable about food and nutrition. And creativity and support go a long way. These food allergy blogs can be a great resource to managing and thriving. http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/best-allergy-blogs

Raising kind, empathic, generous and moral children is as complex and varied as there are unique children. Parents frequently speak with me about their efforts and challenges helping children learn these behaviors and nurturing these qualities. University of Pennsylvania business and psychology professor Adam Grant draws a bead on this learning and highlights some very instructive research. Turns out he might not just be speaking of parenting and children, but also how we see and follow through ourselves. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/12/opinion/sunday/raising-a-moral-child.html?smid=fb-share&_r=3

Living with chronic illness is challenging in ways those of us who are healthy can only imagine. It’s particularly difficult for young adults, often living away from home for the first time and among peers who can take more liberties with their bodies. Onlinecollege.net has compiled some valuable resources for young adults and specifically students living with chronic disease or illness. It includes issues such as balancing studies with self care, as well as links to scholarships directed to individuals in this situation. http://www.onlinecolleges.net/for-students/chronic-health-issues/

Turns out that exercise has direct impact on the brain. Have a look— http://www.outsideonline.com/fitness/mental-conditioning/Break-a-Sweat-Exercise-and-the-brain.html?utm_source=dispatch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_content=MRlink5&utm_campaign=12102013

“Exercise.” Even the word evokes dread for so many. Perhaps it needn’t be so intimidating. No one disputes the data linking physical exertion to physical health, psychological wellbeing, longevity and diminished illness. And considerable information points to the role of exercise in recovery from illness and in some cases reversing it. As the feature begins, “We all know we’re supposed to exercise daily, but precious few of us do. And it only seems to get harder with age.” New information shows that consistent physical activity, the stuff of daily life, can have a substantial and positive effect on health, too. The markers of medical wellness and illness are better among people who get moving. Move. Often. Check it out at npr.org. http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/10/29/241618771/for-a-longer-life-you-might-try-mowing-the-lawn The published study itself is available here: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2013/10/08/bjsports-2012-092038.abstract

It’s a milestone! Bittersweet is the start of a college journey. Parents are proud, excited, anxious and not just a little bit sad as their children depart, no longer children. Ready yourself for the existential crisis it ushers into your life. http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/michael-gerson-saying-goodbye-to-my-child-the-youngster/2013/08/19/6337802e-08dd-11e3-8974-f97ab3b3c677_story.html

Exercise has long been thought to improve sleep. That’s generally the case for people who sleep well. Turns out that it’s more complicated for people suffering insomnia. Regular exercise appears to improve sleep—both lengthening duration and reducing interruptions—over time. The research was conducted with women suffering insomnia. While women did not experience better sleep on the days they exercised, sometimes having more sleep disruption the nights after tough workouts, people who exercised regularly experienced real and meaningful sleep gains after 4 months. #exercise #insomnia #sleep #Stickwithit http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/21/how-exercise-can-help-us-sleep-better/